3 MLB Teams Poised to Become Next Year’s Blue Jays
In the dynamic landscape of Major League Baseball, team fortunes can shift dramatically within a year. The Toronto Blue Jays provided a remarkable example of this in 2025, showcasing how a struggling franchise can transform into a championship contender. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, several teams are poised to follow in the Blue Jays’ footsteps and make significant strides.
Key Teams Poised for a Leap in 2026
Baltimore Orioles
Once seen as a rising power in the AL East, the Baltimore Orioles faced a challenging 2025 season. Despite a strong young core, including players like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, they stumbled to a 75-87 record.
- Started the season 15-28, leading to the dismissal of manager Brandon Hyde.
- Pitching issues compounded by injuries and underperformance from key starters.
- Henderson’s performance dipped significantly compared to his standout 2024 season.
Looking forward, the Orioles’ management must address their rotation. The return of key pitchers and the addition of a frontline starter could help them rebound in 2026.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves experienced a disappointing 2025 season after consistently reaching the playoffs from 2018 to 2024. Injuries plagued their roster, impacting their overall performance.
- Ronald Acuña Jr. made a return but faced setbacks during the season.
- The rotation struggles were compounded by injuries to multiple starting pitchers.
- Brian Snitker’s retirement marked a significant change in the organization.
Looking ahead, the Braves must focus on bolstering their pitching staff and refreshing their lineup to regain competitiveness.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants have endured a mediocre spell since their 107-win season in 2021. With consistent win totals around 81 games, they are in search of a revival.
- Former manager Bob Melvin was replaced by Tony Vitello, a charismatic figure from college baseball.
- Key players like Mat Chapman and Willy Adames have shown promise, providing a solid foundation.
- Logan Webb is a standout pitcher, but the team needs to bolster its overall depth.
If Vitello can inject enthusiasm and implement effective strategies, the Giants could emerge as contenders in the upcoming season.
As these teams look to reshape their rosters and strategies, they could undoubtedly become the next Blue Jays, surprising the league with their performance in 2026.
